Matthew 19:18

He saith vnto him, Which? Iesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steale, Thou shalt not beare false witnesse, Matthew 19:18 (KJV)

He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said,

Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Matthew 19:18 (KJV)

Matthew 19:18 records part of the dialogue between Jesus and a young rich man who asked, “What good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus answered by citing several of the commandments. The passage lists five of the Ten Commandments—do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, and honour thy father and thy mother—plus the command to love one’s neighbour as oneself.

Each commandment carries a clear moral thrust:

a) “Thou shalt do no murder” forbids taking another’s life with malicious intent, underscoring the sanctity of human life and the call to treat others with love, respect, and dignity.

b) “Thou shalt not commit adultery” protects the marriage covenant, affirming the importance of faithfulness and commitment within the marital relationship.

c) “Thou shalt not steal” prohibits taking another’s property without permission, teaching honesty, integrity, and contentment with what one has.

d) “Thou shalt not bear false witness” bans false testimony, highlighting the value of truthfulness in our words and interactions.

e) “Honour thy father and thy mother” calls for respect and care for one’s parents, reflecting the foundational role of family and the duty to uphold familial bonds.

Beyond the specific prohibitions, the verse points to broader ethical principles: respect for life, fidelity in relationships, honesty, truthfulness, and love for neighbour. These principles remain relevant for believers today.

Application: As followers of Christ we are invited to examine our lives in light of these commands. Do we safeguard life, uphold marital fidelity, respect others’ property, speak truth, honor our parents, and love our neighbours? The passage challenges us to align our attitudes and actions with these timeless standards.

Jesus’ teaching on the Law reminds us that obedience to the commandments is not the means of salvation; salvation comes by God’s grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8‑9). Yet Jesus did not abolish the Law but fulfilled it (Matt 5:17), moving the focus from external compliance to the condition of the heart—motives of love and righteousness.

In conclusion, Matthew 19:18 calls believers to a holistic obedience that reflects both the letter and the spirit of God’s law. By living out these commandments and the underlying principle of love, we demonstrate our faith in Christ and bear witness to the kingdom He inaugurated.